*This content was translated by AI.
Shocking behind-the-scenes details have been revealed regarding the background of the Japan national football team signing a "six-month short-term contract" with head coach Hajime Moriyasu.
On the 24th (Korean time), Nikkan Sports reported on the renewal of Coach Moriyasu's contract, stating, "The inside story of the 'six-month limited' contract," and added, "The unprecedented appointment of a Japan national team head coach was caused by the unilateral actions and failure of Tsuneyasu Miyamoto, president of the Japanese Football Association."
According to reports, President Miyamoto unilaterally moved forward without sufficiently discussing with Masakuni Yamamoto Gi Sul-wi (Director) and other high-ranking association officials in order to appoint a foreign coach. However, he failed to bring in the foreign coach he wanted.
Despite this, President Miyamoto was unable to quickly resolve the situation. Ultimately, the Japanese Football Association proposed a six-month short-term contract to Coach Moriyasu, confirming his continued tenure.
Coach Moriyasu will lead the Japan national team only until the AFC Asian Cup in 2027 held in Saudi Arabia before stepping down from his position.
Although Coach Moriyasu accepted the Japanese Football Association's proposal, it was a condition that could not help but hurt his pride. Regardless of how well the team performs at the Asian Cup, there will be no contract extension. Even if Japan leads the nation to Asian supremacy for the first time since 2011, he must step down from the head coach position.
Nikkan Sports criticized the Japanese Football Association's decision, stating, "Even if Coach Moriyasu achieves excellent results, he will only lead the team until early next year at the Asian Cup," and added, "A 'six-month limited command' that is unprecedented globally has been decided."
Above all, Coach Moriyasu is a leader who has grown Japanese football into a global powerhouse.
Since taking charge of the Japan A national team for the first time in 2018, he recorded 74 wins, 16 draws, and 18 losses in 108 matches over eight years. During this period, he defeated strong nations with World Cup championship experience such as Germany, Spain, Brazil, and England, thereby enhancing Japan's competitiveness in football.
Coach Moriyasu received praise for defeating Germany and Spain consecutively at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, advancing to the Round of 16 as group winners. He was later awarded the AFC Men's Coach of the Year award.
In the recently concluded 2026 FIFA North American World Cup, Japan competed against formidable opponents such as the Netherlands, Sweden, and Tunisia, successfully passing through the group stage. In the Round of 32, they engaged in a fierce battle with "eternal championship favorites" Brazil but narrowly lost 1-2.
Coach Moriyasu also set a record as the first Japanese national team head coach to lead the team in two consecutive World Cups.
After the North American World Cup concluded, attention focused on Coach Moriyasu's future plans. At that time, he stated, "Nothing has been decided yet."
Although Coach Moriyasu will continue to lead the Japan national team for the time being, the time given to him is only six months.
Nikkan Sports pointed out, "The Football Association proposed a contract of just six months to Coach Moriyasu, who has made many contributions," and added, "Coach Moriyasu, who has always made it a habit to say 'for the development of Japanese football,' accepted such a 'rude proposal.' Ultimately, an unprecedented coaching baton change has been confirmed."
It further raised its voice, stating, "This appointment fully reveals the indecisiveness of the Japanese Football Association."
It then pointed out, "President Miyamoto unilaterally moved forward without consulting even Yamamoto Gi Sul-wi (Director) in order to appoint a foreign coach initially, but failed."
After the 2027 Saudi Arabian Asian Cup concludes, Koji Oiwata, head coach of the Japan U-21 national team, will take over as the A national team head coach succeeding Coach Moriyasu.
Coach Oiwata is a leader who has long guided the Japan Yeon Ryeong-byeol (CEO) team.
After retiring as a player and transitioning to coaching, Coach Oiwata managed Kashima Antlers from 2017 to 2019. In 2018, he led Kashima to win the AFC Champions League and also received the AFC Men's Coach of the Year award.
Subsequently, he took charge of the Japan Yeon Ryeong-byeol (CEO) team and achieved a quarterfinal finish at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He also won the 2024 AFC U-23 Asian Cup and the 2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup, earning recognition for his coaching abilities.
Coach Oiwata will announce a new beginning as the Japan A national team head coach after the conclusion of the 2027 Asian Cup. At the same time, he will concurrently serve as the U-21 representative team manager and prepare for both the 2030 World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>
*This content was translated by AI.
